A British couple face being stranded in Spain for at least three months after their baby boy was born 12 weeks prematurely during a family holiday.

Karla Hornby said she thought she was going to die when she gave birth to baby Freddie, weighing just 2lbs, by emergency caesarean section while on holiday in Benidorm with her partner Jordan Jackson.

The couple have now been told they will have to stay in Spain for at least three months while Freddie builds up his strength. But Mr Jackson, 21, a soldier in the army's Royal Logistics corps, who has served in Afghanistan, is meant to report back for service tomorrow.

Stranded: Karla Hornby and Jordan Jackson are facing the prospect of spending three months in Spain while their baby boy Freddie builds up his strength. Ms Hornby also has a daughter Charlie, seven (pictured)

Premature: Freddie weighed just 2lbs after being born by emergency caesarean section while on holiday in Benidorm. His mother has spoken of her surprise after suddenly going into labour 12 weeks prematurely

The pair had travelled to the Spanish resort for a final relaxing break before Ms Hornby was due to give birth in three months' time.

Ms Hornby, who is already a mum to seven-year-old Charlie, had been cleared to fly by medical staff but was given a surprise when she suddenly went into labour.

The 29-year-old said: 'On Saturday we were relaxing by the pool when my waters suddenly broke - I was in complete and utter shock.'

She was taken to hospital, where doctors found that she was already 2cm dilated and transferred her to a bigger hospital.

'Jordan wasn't allowed in the ambulance with me and the staff didn't speak any English so I had no idea what was going on - my contractions were getting stronger,' Ms Hornby added.

Costly trip: Freddie's family from Bolton, Greater Manchester, have been able to use insurance to pay for medical costs but they are facing the prospect of supporting themselves in Spain for at least three months

Shocked: Ms Hornby thought she was going to die when she gave birth three months prematurely

'In hospital I was bleeding heavily - it was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me.

'I had one big contraction and bled heavily, so they rushed me to theatre - I was shaking and I couldn't breathe, I thought I was going to die.'

An emergency c-section was performed but the couple weren't able to see Freddie until the following evening.

She said: 'I couldn't stop crying, I was so relieved that he was OK but he just looked so small - I was desperate to pick him up.'

The family from Bolton, Greater Manchester, have been able to use insurance to pay for medical costs but have already had to pay £1,000 for a hotel.

They are now facing the prospect of supporting themselves in Spain for at least three months as Freddie gains the strength needed to fly home.

Their family and friends are doing everything they can to raise money to help and a funding website has already raised more than £900.

Mr Jackson's mother, Vickie Cunliffe, said: 'It has been so frightening for everyone - we are just trying to think of as many ways as possible to raise money to help them.'

Ms Hornby's best friend Lisa Johnston said: 'We just want as many people as possible to get in touch and do what they can to help them survive over there.'

A COMPARABLE TALE OF BEING STUCK ABROAD WITH A SURPRISE ARRIVAL

Katie Amos, 30, with her fiancé Lee Johnston, 29, and their son Dax. The baby boy arrived unexpectedly after Ms Amos went into labour prematurely while the couple were sightseeing in New York

The case of little Freddie is not the first time a premature baby born abroad has left a couple stranded.

Earlier this year fellow British couple Katie Amos, 30, and fiancé Lee Johnston, 29, got stuck in New York with a £130,000 medical bill after their baby son was born 11 weeks prematurely while they were on a four-day getaway.

The couple welcomed son Dax unexpectedly after Ms Amos went into labour while sightseeing in the Big Apple.

The pair, whose son weighed just 3lbs, were told by doctors the newborn was not able to fly back to the family home in Burgh-le-Marsh, Lincolnshire, until March.

American doctors said the pair's medical bills would reach £130,000 ($200,000), leaving the couple stranded overseas with limited clothes and money.